Administration

Cream: Cleanse, rinse and dry skin. Apply generously to painful muscles and joints. Gently massage until the cream disappears. Avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes. Do not apply to wounds, damaged, broken or irritated skin. Do not bandage tightly or use a heating pad.

Gel: Avoid contact with the eyes.

Storage

Store at room temperature.

Drug Interactions

There are no known significant interactions.

Adverse Reactions

There are no adverse reactions listed in the manufacturer’s labeling.

Warnings/Precautions

Dosage form specific issues:

• Liquid for steam inhalation: Self-medication (OTC use): For steam inhalation only. Use with caution in patients with persistent or chronic cough (eg, cough due to smoking, emphysema, or asthma) or a productive cough. Do not heat the product in a microwave or use near an open flame, direct the steam from the vaporizer too close to the face, or ingest the product. Do not add the product to hot water or any container where heating water (except when adding to cold water only in a hot steam vaporizer); may cause splattering and result in burns. Discontinue use and contact a healthcare provider if the cough lasts more than 7 days, recurs, or is accompanied by a fever, rash, or persistent headache.

• Topical cream: Self-medication (OTC use): Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Discontinue use and contact a healthcare provider if the condition worsens, symptoms persist for more than 7 days, symptoms recur, or if redness develops.

• Topical gel: Self-medication (OTC use): Avoid contact with eyes. Discontinue use and contact a healthcare provider if the condition worsens, symptoms persist for more than 7 days, or if symptoms recur.

Special handling:

• Flammability: Camphor is flammable; keep away from fire or flame.

Other warnings/precautions:

• Accidental ingestion: In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical help or contact a poison control center immediately.

Pregnancy Considerations

Following exposure to large concentrations (eg, oral ingestion observed with poisonings), camphor crosses the placenta and is toxic to the fetus (Rabl 1997).

Patient Education

• Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with caregiver as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)

• Educate caregiver about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Caregiver should consult prescriber for additional questions.

Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for healthcare professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience and judgment in diagnosing, treating and advising patients.